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There will be a new requirement for unions to provide a clear description of the trade dispute and the planned industrial action on the ballot paper.

Will companies be empowered in other ways too?

Yes, because trade unions will have to give employers 14 days notice of strike action and will also allow firms to bring in agency staff to cover for striking workers, effectively breaking up strike action and making the industrial action significantly less effective.

What justification has the government given for the plans?

Sajid Javid, the Business Secretary, insists the plans are about ensuring strike action always has the support of the majority of the workforce and says they will even out the balance between powerful trade unions and the rights and interests of businesses, consumers and commuters.